What is MAPS?
Every year Portland State partners with Together We Are Greater Than and Alder Elementary to match college student mentors with elementary students for one-on-one mentoring. Alder Elementary School has a large population of students who face economic barriers in a diverse multilingual and multicultural area. We hope to strengthen these students’ awareness and understanding of what college is at an early age through one-on-one connections with PSU student mentors in our MAPS (Mentor: Alder & Portland State) mentoring program.
Becoming a MAPS mentor is a great way to help make an impact in the lives of these students! Mentors will participate in mentor training during Fall term on Tuesdays or Wednesday from the end of October through November, and then will be matched with their mentee in time for Winter term. Mentors meet with their mentees one day a week at Alder Elementary, between 9am and 1pm on Tuesday or Wednesday during Winter and Spring terms. For the 2023-24 year, transportation is provided from the PSU campus for up to four student mentors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; students with their own transportation can meet directly at the school.
I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to learn and grow with my student.
In addition to supporting mentees through one-on-one connection in the classroom, mentors build strong relationships with their mentees as noon-time "lunch buddies," engaging in fun conversations, games, and activities to get the mentees thinking about college, higher education, and future careers.
The application to become a MAPS Mentor for the 2023-24 year will be reviewed on a rolling basis through mid October 2023. Early applications encouraged! Mentor training will begin and extend through November on either Tuesday or Wednesday mornings (mentors will pick the day that works best for their schedule). Mentors will then be matched with their mentee and begin mentoring during the Winter/Spring 2024 terms. If you'd like more information, contact volunteer@pdx.edu.